Travel – Eat – Sleep

The number and variety of stories and tales concerning the origin of Valentine’s Day will make your head spin. Some say it began as a feast or festival in ancient Rome. Others say it’s based on one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The idea of romantic love being associated with Valentines Day came much later. possibly from Chaucer in the era of courtly love. Here are a few of the more interesting tales.

An ancient pre-Roman festival, Lupercalia, was celebrated every year to honor Lupercus, a god of fertility. It was celebrated sometime between February 13-15 near the city of Rome. Originally a festival of shipyards, it lasted until the 5th century when Pope Gelasius abolished it.

Roman Emperor Claudius II was involved in several bloody campaigns and needed more soldiers. The men however, were reluctant to join. Claudius believed the problem was the men didn’t want to leave their families and wives. Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements as a result. Valentine, a local priest, continued to marry couples, however. Valentine’s defiance was eventually discovered and he was put to death. Afterwards he was named a Saint.

A poem written by Charles the Duke of Orleans is considered the oldest valentine still in existence. Charles wrote the poem to his wife when imprisoned in the Tower of London. This document is part of the collection of the British Library in London England.

In much of South America, Love and Friendship day is quite popular and celebrated on February 14th. While it’s somewhat similar to the U.S. celebration, people also perform acts of appreciation for their friends. In Brazil, however, June 12th is Boyfriends/Girlfriends day. Couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards and flower bouquets.

Valentinsdag is Valentine’s Day in Norway and Denmark is celebrated on February 14th. The tradition is less commercial and more subdued than in the West. People in these countries focus on having a romantic dinner with their partner or sending a card or a red rose to their loved one.

In spite of some government restrictions, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Iran. Their celebration is called Sepandarmazgan and the date used is February 17th. The buying and exchanging of gifts is more common among younger Iranian boys and girls.

The practice of sending Valentine cards existed in the middle 1800′s. Esther Howland, whose father owned a stationary and book store, received an English valentine card. As a result, she was inspired to create her own of embossed lace which was then mass produced. Shortly thereafter, Valentine’s Day became a popular national holiday.

The second half of the 20th century witnessed an expansion of the Valentine’s Day traditions. Gifts, primarily cards, expanded to flowers and candy. Popular Valentine’s Day gifts now include roses and chocolates, often in a red heart-shaped box.